Bedford family joins Kid's Cancer Buzz-Off to fight pediatric cancer

Saturday

May 25, 2013 at 12:01 AMMay 25, 2013 at 2:41 PM

The Giusti family of Bedford -- Matt and Kelly and their sons Dominic, 7, and Dante, 5, will be getting their heads shaved at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro on Sunday, June 9, for the One Mission Kid’s Cancer Buzz-Off, a Boston Children’s Hospital fundraiser to help support children and their families fighting pediatric cancer.

Angie Orenstein/bedford@wickedlocal.com

When asked what’s going to happen to his hair, 7-year-old Dominic Giusti replied, "It’s going to get shaved off… to show people that it’s OK to be bald."

Dominic and his family – his mom, dad, and 5-year old brother, Dante – who are all completely healthy - will be getting their heads shaved at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro on Sunday, June 9, for the One Mission Kid’s Cancer Buzz-Off, a Boston Children’s Hospital fundraiser to help support children and their families fighting pediatric cancer.

The boys and their father Matt all wear their hair short, but their mother Kelly has long blond tresses that will be gathered into a ponytail and snipped off before her scalp gets buzzed clean. She said she was concerned that all the hair would go to waste, but felt relieved when she was told that 10 inches or more will be collected and donated to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces for children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

"I’ve talked to so many people – my sister, co-workers - who know people… kids, who have cancer. It just kind of hit home," said Giusti, who spent some time at Boston Children’s Hospital when Dante was 3 and needed treatment for shingles. At that time they saw many children who were suffering from and being treated for cancer. "Nothing compares to what those kids are going through. You just feel so blessed. I want my kids to know they’re lucky and shouldn’t take things for granted."

Having participated in marathons and 5K runs for fundraisers in the past, Giusti decided back in April that this time she wanted to do something different that would stand out and have more of an impact. She said she realizes that when people see a family of four walking around completely bald, they will probably stare and assume at least one of them is sick. This is the kind of impression she wants to make and she will take the opportunity to explain that they have shaved their heads to support people who are suffering from cancer.

Several people, she said, have asked her if she’ll wear a wig, but she said that would defeat the whole purpose, although she will probably sometimes wear a bandana or hat to protect her head from the sun.

"I’m surprised at how many people have said ‘Oh my God, Kelly! I can’t believe you’re doing that! Let me write you a check.’ People have been very generous," said Giusti, who works as a special education teacher at Bedford High School.

She said many of her co-workers and students, past and present, have stepped forward to show support and make a donation. Dawn LaGrassa, a parent of one of her students, even decided to join their team and will also have her head shaved for the cause.

The Giusti family’s goal is to raise $3,000 and they are currently at about $2,400. The goal of the One Mission Kid’s Cancer Buzz-Off, which is currently in its third year, is to shave 800 heads at the June 9 event and raise $1 million.

Giusti said this particular fundraiser also appeals to her because rather than the money going toward research, as so many do, the Buzz-Off money goes to Boston Children’s Hospital to help provide financial assistance and fund support programs for families with children going through cancer treatments.

Giusti said she first talked to her boys about cancer when her sister, who was participating in a walk-a-thon, had a brochure with a photo of bald children on the front. At the time she explained to her boys that the children were sick and receiving treatments. When she and her husband decided to take part in the Buzz-Off, she reminded the boys of those sick children and told them that they as a family were going to shave their heads to help them. She said their initial reaction was, "No, not a haircut!" but then they started to understand.

"The ultimate goal is to help others, but to also teach them to be grateful," said Giusti. "My husband was supportive. He thought it was a great idea. I’m nervous but it will grow back."

How to help

Visit www.buzzforkids.org for more information. To make a donation to the Giusti’s team, enter their team name Buzz Off, Cancer!